Key facts

Our trip to Peru was the most exciting, interesting holiday I have ever had – in fact it was a life-changing experience.Ms Lucas

Things to do in Peru

Peru is a country of stunning natural beauty, ancient cultures and colonial cities. With a range of worthy places to explore, we’ve collated this guide to Peru to help you decide where to go first.

Cities

LimaFounded by the Spanish conquistadores on the Pacific coast, Lima was the wealthiest city in the Americas for more than 300 years. Today, this bustling modern city retains a large colonial heritage of fine churches, plazas and beautiful mansions.

CuzcoCuzco is a charming Andean city that was once a capital of the mighty Inca empire. Overlooking the city are the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuama´n, a former ceremonial centre with enormous stones carved and fitted to incredible precision. Cuzco is also the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, an area of outstanding natural beauty set against the backdrop of the Andes mountains.

ArequipaLying at the foot of the snow-capped El Misti volcano, Arequipa is perhaps the most strikingly beautiful city in Peru. It is often referred to as the ‘white city’, with leafy squares, fine colonial architecture and many old and interesting churches built of sillar, a pearly white volcanic stone.

Ancient wonders

Machu PicchuOne of the new Seven Wonders of the World, this spectacular Inca citadel has remarkably well-preserved terraces, temples and dwellings. Situated on a mountain high above the Urubamba river, Machu Picchu can only be reached by train and a bus up a serpentine road, or via a guided trek.

The Nazca LinesDiscover the mysterious Nazca lines, etched into the dry desert more than 1,500 years ago. There are many theories about the exact origin and purpose of these bizarre lines that form geometric shapes and the outlines of animals such as a condors, monkeys and hummingbirds.

Back to nature

Lake TiticacaOne of the world’s highest navigable lakes, the serene and vast Lake Titicaca straddles the border between Bolivia and Peru. Its dark blue waters are home to traditional indigenous communities and islands such as the floating Uros, made entirely from totora reed. It is possible to visit the Sillustani stone burial towers or take a boat to Taquile island, where fishermen and weavers maintain their customs and ancestral values.

Colca CanyonThe Colca Canyon is an area of outstanding scenic beauty with huge patchworks of pre-Inca terracing set against the backdrop of distant snow-capped volcanoes. Unspoiled Andean villages lie on both sides of the canyon, inhabited by the Cabana and Collagua people. Colca is one of the best places to spot the majestic Andean condor at very close range, with a number of scenic lookouts on the rim of the canyon.

The Peruvian Amazon

Some of the most biologically diverse and pristine areas of the Amazon basin lie in Peru. Covering more than half the country, the sprawling carpet of rainforest stretches into the horizon with meandering coffee-coloured rivers weaving their way through the green expanse. Giant ceiba trees emerge from the tree canopy and an incredible variety of wildlife hides beneath. It is possible to explore the jungle’s flora and fauna while staying in comfortable eco-lodges near Puerto Maldonado in the south, or take a cruise along the upper reaches of the Amazon river from Iquitos in the north

Key facts

Capital:

Lima

Flying time from London:

16 hours

Time difference:

-5 GMT

Currency:

Peruvian sol

Official language(s):

Spanish

Visa requirements:

Not required for UK passport holders

Our trip to Peru was the most exciting, interesting holiday I have ever had – in fact it was a life-changing experience.Ms Lucas

Top things to do in Peru

Visit Machu Picchu

Choose to walk the Inca Trail and approach Machu Picchu on foot – this famous walk follows an old Inca roadway with breathtaking views and fascinating archaeological sites en route. Alternatively, take a Vistadome, Inca Rail or Belmond Hiram Bingham train to arrive at Machu Picchu in style.

Watch condors at the Colca Canyon

One of the deepest canyons in the world, Colca Canyon is also home to numbers of condors that fly overhead. The observation point at Condors Cross is where you may be lucky to see one at close range, against the backdrop of distant snow-capped volcanoes.

See Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is one of the world's most beautiful natural spots. Explore the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, inhabited by Uros Indians, and enjoy panoramic views of this clear lake backed by the Andes Mountains.

Experience Peru's Amazon

Explore remote areas unreachable by land and discover the varied wildlife of Peru's Amazon including primates, rare birds and dolphins.

Wander colonial Cuzco

The old Incan capital has a unique atmosphere. Explore it colonial cathedrals and churches, as well as impressive Inca remains.